Marina named among England’s best for visitor experience

Mercia Marina has been named one of the best places to stay in England after scooping a prestigious national tourism award for outstanding customer service and visitor experience.

The marina, near Willington, has received a respected VisitEngland ROSE Award – Recognition of Service Excellence – placing it alongside some of the country’s best hotels, B&Bs, holiday cottages, glamping sites and holiday parks.

Just 100 accommodation businesses across England receive a ROSE Award each year – beating competition from thousands of others.

Mercia Marina is one of only four Derbyshire recipients and nine across the East Midlands this year.

What makes the accolade particularly significant is that businesses cannot nominate themselves for a ROSE Award.

Instead, nominations are made following an independent annual assessment by VisitEngland’s Quality Scheme assessors, whose findings are considered alongside online reviews from visitors in the UK and overseas.

The judging panel also looks for innovation and those extra touches and services, which make a guest’s stay particularly special.

Tony Preston, sales and marketing manager at Mercia Marina, received the award from Lady Victoria Borwick, chair of VisitEngland, at a national ceremony held at The Post Barn in Newbury.

He said: “We are incredibly proud to receive this award. To see Mercia Marina recognised as one of only 100 businesses across England – and one of just four here in Derbyshire – is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved.

“What makes this award particularly special is what it recognises. It isn’t simply about having great facilities or a beautiful location; it’s about how people feel when they come here and the service and welcome they receive.

“We have always been a customer-focused business and attention to detail is hugely important to us.

“Whether somebody is staying in one of our lodges, mooring a boat here or simply visiting for lunch and a walk, we want them to feel looked after.”

The national recognition comes as Mercia Marina continues to invest in the visitor experience which helped earn it the accolade.

Its latest development, The Nest, is a collection of individually owned luxury lodges centred around ‘escape, wellness and wellbeing’, further expanding Mercia’s appeal as a destination for short breaks and staycations.